One thing is absolutely sure: We do not lack materials for controversies. If it is not mosque versus temple, it is birth place versus birthplace.
This time it is about Hanuman's birthplace. Is it in Andhra Pradesh or is it in Karnataka? Was it Anjanadri, now known as Tirupati, in Andhra or is it Anjanahalli in Karnataka. Both sides are armed with compelling evidence- Puranic sources, copperplate inscriptions, and other religious textbooks.
Long time ago, when I visited Hampi, I crossed the Tungabhadra River and went up the Anjanahalli Mountain. The climb was marred by a bunch of monkeys. There is a cave on the way to the top. I was told that Hanuman was born there. Up on the summit is a temple and a saffron clad baba was present. I politely listened to his diatribe and returned back. He gave me the creeps but all religious people send a shiver down my spine.
I did not know there was a rival claim to Hanuman's birthplace. Thinking over, I realize, of course I am stupid. In our country there are multiple claims to the same thing. Other than to Rama and Krishna's birthplace, there are multiple claimants to the all events described in Mahabharata and Ramayana.
The matter has now reached the Supreme Court who will decide on this very important issue. Now Andhra and Karnataka have one more issue to fight over. What fun!
